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Scooters, Skateboards, and Sidewalk Sports: A Foot Health Balancing Act

Skateboarding, scootering, and other blacktop board sports feel like a staple of American upbringing. From Heely’s (remember those shoes with built-in wheels?) to Ripsticks, there has been a range of driveway toys and activities that have caused an equal amount of pleasure and pain.

Falling off a board on your neighborhood street seems like fun, but understanding the potential dangers and taking preventive measures can help you enjoy these activities without compromising your foot health. We at Carrollton Foot Center are here to fill you in.

Common Foot and Ankle Injuries

  • Ankle sprains: The repetitive twisting and turning in board sports can strain the ankle ligaments, and tricks on skateboards inevitably lead to awkward falls.
  • Fractures: Falls and impacts can result in fractures of the foot, ankle, or leg bones. Longboards down steep hills can reach speeds of 80 miles per hour, which spells obvious trouble for catastrophic foot injuries.
  • Scooter Fractures: These can occur from scooter whiplash. They swivel quite loosely, and if they hit you hard enough, it can fracture your ankle.
  • Abrasions and cuts: Skin injuries are common due to falls and contact with the board or ground.
  • Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons in the foot or ankle can occur due to overuse. Boarding on hard pavement leads to hard landings, and the force generated to perform tricks lends itself to inflammation.

Foot Care Advice

Protective gear is more than just a helmet and some kneepads. We recommend skating in shoes such as Vans or Nike’s SB brand. These shoes are designed for extra padding and have durable soles. Also, wear socks to prevent blisters, and consider using ankle braces for added support.

This may seem like a challenge, but try skating in safer areas where the terrain isn’t uneven. Skate parks offer smooth grounding that reduces the risk of injury. You also have a better chance of learning proper techniques, which can teach you how to stay safe on your board.

Consult with Board-certified podiatrist Dr. Naghmeh Lilly Khavari, a respected professional who is dedicated to her patients in Denton, Dallas, and Collins Counties. Dr. Khavari treats a wide breadth of issues, from ingrown toenails to foot and ankle injuries. Call Carrollton Foot Center’s office (located in Carrollton, Texas) at (469)-998-3668 to schedule your first appointment today!

Common Misconceptions About Foot & Ankle Arthritis

Do you have arthritis? Because your feet each have 30 joints, you’ll likely experience pain and discomfort in your lower extremities. Most people have heard of arthritis but don’t know enough about it, especially when it comes to how this disease can affect your feet. Let’s clear up some myths about foot and ankle arthritis.

Myth: Arthritis causes all joint pain

Bursitis, tendonitis, and soft-tissue injuries can also cause joint pain. Visit your podiatrist for an accurate foot or ankle pain diagnosis.

Myth: Arthritis is only for the elderly

The risk of osteoarthritis increases with age. But people of any age, even children, may suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, where the body’s immune system attacks the joints and cartilage.

Myth: Sharp pain is the only arthritis symptom

Arthritis can cause sharp pain or dull throbbing pain, as well as joint swelling, joint tenderness, and difficulty walking.

Myth: Surgery is the only treatment option for an arthritic joint

Non-surgical treatment options are our first choice. These include lifestyle modifications such as losing weight and exercising, physical therapy, using an assistive device like a cane or brace, wearing custom-fitted orthotics, anti-inflammatory medication, and cortisone shots. Surgery is typically recommended if your pain is severe and disabling.

Myth: Arthritis is inevitable

You can lower your risk of osteoarthritis by maintaining a healthy weight, staying active and exercising regularly, quitting smoking, avoiding foot and ankle overuse, and wearing the right protective gear during sports activities.

Do you have painful arthritis that affects your ability to be active and experience comfort in your feet? Give us a call today!

Board-certified podiatrist Dr. Naghmeh Lilly Khavari is committed to helping her clients in Carrollton, TX. She offers a wide variety of treatments, from ingrown toenails to advanced surgical solutions. Contact Carrollton Foot Center’s office at 469-998-3668 to schedule an appointment today!

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